Perhaps - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

All things work together for good to those who love God.
Romans 8:28.

Perhaps
From his imprisonment in Rome the apostle Paul sent Onesimus, a runaway slave, back to his master Philemon, During his flight Onesimus came into contact with the apostle and was converted to Jesus Christ. Paul ordered him to return to his master with a letter in which Philemon was requested to welcome his slave benevolently. Paul wrote: "Perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose." The slave's escape became the occasion of his conversion and the means by which his master Philemon could regard him as "a beloved brother".

Let us note that although Paul was an apostle, he did not maintain that it was clearly "for this purpose", but wisely added "perhaps". He was prudent and moderate; he did not claim to understand or explain everything.

In the same mind a believing Jew named Mordecai sent a message on behalf of his people to his niece, Esther, who had become queen at a critical time: "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).

Certain events take place that seem to us to make good sense. Nevertheless, let us be prudent in our assertions. God directs all circumstances, but His reasons are not always what we think. Let us pray that we might understand what God wishes to say to us. Let us not pass any judgement, particularly concerning others, but rather put our trust in God's love that motivates His dealings.

Today's reading: Malachi 1:1-14 · Mark 15:29-39